Message from LCCA President Dennis DeVito
LCCA greetings this mid September afternoon. With a Fall chill soon to be in the air (temperature was 96° this week), check the snow blower, get the ice scrapers ready, soon start raking the leaves (at least those of us north of Kentucky - and a reminder to those members in warmer climates why you live there). But with the season change, most of us will amplify our attention to our hobby.
Product Updates
The NEW LCCA billboard has been announced and is shipping. This product is our first step to provide USA made product. Our member response has been overwhelming, both at the convention and to our early promotional efforts. The LCCA will continue to issue billboard inserts. What better way to display them than in a USA made Billboard. And how neat would it be to see your own pictures of friends and family proudly displayed in one of these billboards. This is the first in a series of billboards - be sure to get one.
The Texas Special sets (the switcher/calf/mint car and the matching order of three cars) is moving forward. The switcher/calf is already approved for production. The flat car with helicopter has already been shipped to the LCCA waiting for the matching cars to be delivered. Yesterday the LCCA received a pre-production sample of the Tank Car. This leaves only the Mint Car and the caboose to approve. Both sets still are on line for a December ship. We will advise if this ship date changes.
The first samples of the Southern 2013 convention car have been received and look good. We have been told that this convention car will be shipped by end of March.
The Goliath, the matching set of 3 cars and the Prospector sets are also still on line for a December ship. This will be a great year for LCCA designed products - a tribute to Lou Caponi. Well done Lou!
Future Products
The 3 unit coal train is in final design and should be available to order in the near future. This set will be definitely limited to only 500 units - the number of engines we have available to us.
The 2014 annual convention car - an operating Monon boxcar - has been announced. This car is a post war design - and a fitting car to offer with our upcoming Indy convention. Be on the lookout for this car.
Redesigned coal ramp - this item that was shown earlier this year is moving forward. This unit will be a fitting companion piece for the 3 unit coal train.
We will be announcing a Fall/Winter product sale in early October. Be sure to check the LCCA web store frequently - LCCA Store
Modules
Our modular project continues to expand. We are in conversations with multiple groups to develop module layouts in areas and venues not normally associated with layouts. We encourage you to consider our LCCA modules when building layouts. Go to the web store LCCA Store and check out the multiple options. Call Al Kolis (248-709-4137) at agkolis@comcast.net to get more info on our Modules.
Special Events:
Get ready for the start of Train Season for us with a Passion For Lionel Trains. At home, get the high iron ready. And with fall approaching an increase in train related activity is all around us. The LCCA Special Events program is no exception with an almost weekly activity is planned from now through April and more being posted each day. From the absolutely wonderful Layout Festival from TrainWorx of Dallas TX this weekend where multiple professionally constructed layouts will be on display to the month long display of Lionels in North Little Rock AR, to the weekends in Norfolk, VA and in the Tampa, FL area the LCCA will be represented. Be sure to look at the events in your area, or if you are looking for a "road trip", check them out.
Here is scheduled 2013 events with highlights of those events in September (LCCA Special Events Calendar):
September 14 - Second Annual Dallas TX Trainworx Layout Festival - Special Event-Recap of last year. This is a major event, with a large number of operating layouts. Lionel (Mike Reagan) will be in attendance.
September 21/22 - LCCA returns to Norfolk Area for Train Show - Special Event. This two day event brings the LCCA back to Norfolk, the site of our successful 2012 Annual Convention. Be sure to stop by and visit with members Harry and Bridget Hampson.
September 28 - LCCA joins Chicagoland Lionel Railroad club for a day at their layout. - Special Event. Be sure to stop by the club house of one of the premier local train clubs in the country. This is another event where Lionel (J Don Reese) will attend.
September 28/29 - Wichita KS - 2 day event - Special Event. The LCCA returns to Kansas with a 2 day train show. This promises to be a great opportunity to meet with fellow LCCA members in the area. Be sure to stop by and visit with member John Flinn at the LCCA booth
September 27/29 - Orlando FL - Walt Disney World - Special Event. Check this one out - special tours, big events. If you love the mouse and trains, this is for you.
October 5 - Loveland CO - Trains on the Plains - Special Event
October 16 - York, PA - Casual Dutch Treat dinner and social event at Smokey Bones - Wednesday October 16 at 6:30 PM (1301 Kenneth Road - off of Route 30 and Loukes Road in York) - Special Event
November 2 - LCCA Returns to Norfolk, VA to visit S-Gauge Layout of Paul Sharp - Special Event
November 3 - Green Bay, WI - Fourth First Freeze Train Show and Swap Meet - Special Event
November 09/10 - Milwaukee WI - TrainFest 2013 - The LCCA will again be at TrainFest - look us up! -Special Event
November 16 - Chattanooga, TN - LCCA returns to Chattanooga for a home tour with "Autism Speaks" - Special Event
December 7 - Watervliet, MI - Toy Train Auction and Holiday Party at Bob's Hobby shop - Special Event
December 10 - 26 - North Little Rock - 'Lionels at Laman' annual show - Special Event
December 14 - Leland, IA - Christmas Open House with Bob Ver Hoef and Pam Richardson - Special Event
December 14 - Lewisville, NC - 9th Open House with Rich and Kathy Dissosway - Special Event
2014 Convention:
Have been listening to Bob Carter and Jerry Calkins (convention co-managers) talk about plans for the 2014 convention in Indianapolis. Multiple train trips, great tours, great times - the tradition continues. Indy is within a day's drive for many of our members. Now is the time to start thinking about coming to the convention, if it's your first - or your 44th, come on down. We are looking forward to trains, good times, friends, and a number of new and exciting activities and events. Speaking of events or activities, wonder what Bob and Jerry will be able to do and will come up with Lionel, the speedway, NASCAR, Lionel NASCAR, Brickyard 400, and the LCCA in the same place at the same time?
Nominations for 2014 election:
We will soon be seeking candidates for the 2014 election. Consider running for an elected office! Remember to step up and offer your services to the club as we can put your expertise to good use.
In closing:
The height of the 2013 train season is soon upon us. Listen to the seasons, the rhythm of the months as they fly by and use your time to enjoy the benefits and friends we have. Hug your family, help a kid and keep your Passion For Lionel Trains alive - stay active in the LCCA.
Dennis DeVito
LCCA President and Fellow Member
